The month of September began with the start of term 3 and a welcome to the new Head of the Junior School, Mr Brendan Quinn. We celebrated new grade 11 leaders for 2026 and bid farewell to the matrics of 2025 as they prepared for their final exams.
On 1 September, the first day of spring, we were reminded that growth is not only about what blooms outwardly, but also about what grows within. As our staff returned, we paused with gratitude for the chance to serve one another and our community with kindness, courage, and purpose.
First day of term 3
The corridors of Kingsmead were alive with laughter, energy and joy as we welcomed our girls back for the start of term 3. Just like the arrival of spring, this new season brings with it fresh beginnings, growth, and the courage to bloom.
We are also delighted to have welcomed Mr Brendan Quinn, who joined us this term as the new Head of the Junior School. We look forward to the journey ahead with gratitude and excitement.
Here’s to a term filled with learning, happiness, and possibility!
Well done to the grade 10s for arranging the MDC fundraising social for grades 6 and 7s! Always great fun for all involved.
On 8 September we celebrated the power of words, stories, and knowledge. At Kingsmead, we believe literacy is more than just reading and writing; it is the key to discovery and growth.
Through literacy, our students learn to think critically, express themselves with confidence, and connect with the world around them. On this day, we honoured the gift of learning and the courage to dream that comes with every page turned.
Celebrating Service at Kingsmead
We would like to proudly recognise the outstanding achievements of our students who received their President’s Award for Service, a testament to their commitment, resilience, and courage to serve.
Congratulations to:
🥉 Bronze
- Oprah Orimoloye
🥈 Silver
- Anna Lipchin (Direct Silver)
- Anna Hawes (Direct Silver)
- Thiya Naidoo (Direct Silver)
- Olivia Salmon (Direct Silver)
- Priyanka Geness (Direct Silver)
🥇 Gold
- Zoey Anderson
- Amy Falcon
- Sarah Florence
- Haaniya Sarang
Your dedication to serving others inspires us all.
We are so proud to announce that Rorisang Mamathuba was selected to represent the Gauteng Rhythmic Gymnastics Team at the 2025 National Gymnastics Championships, which took place from 3–9 October at the University of KZN, Durban.
By earning her place in this prestigious event, Rorisang has also been awarded her Gauteng Confederation Colours, a phenomenal achievement that reflects her dedication and talent!
Congratulations to our grade 11 leaders
In September we proudly announced the Kingsmead grade 11 leaders for 2026. Each student in this grade steps into a role of influence and responsibility — reminding us that leadership is not only about holding a title, but about setting an example with kindness, courage, and purpose.
A special congratulations to our heads of school:
- Zaara Banwa – Head Girl 2026
- Basha Mkhondo – Deputy Head 2026
- Rachael Drake – Deputy Head 2026
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Lucy Davis, Oprah Orimoloye, Morgan Kohler and the entire grade 12 leadership team, who have guided Kingsmead this year with courage, grace, and unwavering commitment.
At Kingsmead, we believe that every girl is a leader, and as we celebrate this transition, we honour the courage to grow in all our students.
On 13 September Kingsmead College had the joy of hosting 30 little stars from Rays of Hope for a Buddy Reading adventure!
From whipping up delicious treats to creating a colourful spring tree and enjoying a cheerful picnic in the sunshine, every moment was filled with laughter and smiles.
But the real highlight? Curling up with our Senior School girls to share stories and discover the magic of books together.
Congratulations to Jocelyn Koller on being selected to play in the prestigious Diamond Ladies Polo Open, an annual tournament that brings together top international women polo players.
Jocelyn and her team had a fantastic tournament, finishing 1st in the B Section, placing them top out of 6 competitive teams!
What an incredible achievement and a true reflection of skill and teamwork.
Congratulations to Zothile Ndiweni, who continues to shine in gymnastics!
At the Provincials Competition on 5 September, Zothile:
- earned her Central Gauteng & Gauteng Colours
- placed 3rd overall in the Level 8 (14+ years) section
- was selected to represent Northstars Gymnastics Club and Gauteng Province at the National Championships in Pretoria on 6 October.
We are so proud of your dedication and your inspiring achievements, Zothile.
Some of our Kingsmead grade 10 Business students attended the IMC Conference – Africa’s Biggest Marketing Conference.
We are grateful for the incredible opportunity and exposure to experiences like this!
Congratulations to Amari Africa (grade 2) on her outstanding gymnastics achievements!
During the holidays, Amari competed at the District Championships in the Class 1 (High Performance) 7–8 year age group and shone brightly:
- Gold – Bar
- Gold – Vault
- Silver – Floor
- 1st Place Overall for Central Gauteng
She went on to compete at the Provincial Championships, where she earned her full Gauteng colours for the 2nd year in a row and qualified for Nationals later this year.
At Provincials, she achieved:
- 3rd in Vault (score: 9.25)
- 1st in Floor
- 3rd Overall in Gauteng
Amari is competing in the High Performance stream, which means she skipped Levels 2 & 3, currently competing in Class 1, the equivalent of Level 4.
We are so proud of Amari’s courage, commitment, and excellence. Good luck for Nationals later this year — Kingsmead is behind you all the way.
The Music Department had an action-packed weekend in September!
Our Junior School Marimba bands wowed the audience at the Jan Celliers Eisteddfod, achieving outstanding results.
Our Senior School Choir, Glee, Jazz Band, and both the grade 8–10 and 1st Team Marimba bands lit up the stage at the St Peter’s Cultural Festival. The festival was filled with vibrant energy, enthusiastic performances, and plenty of fun – we had an absolute blast.
Shanah Tovah!
We hope our Jewish community had a sweet, joyful, and meaningful New Year. May this season be filled with hope, health, and new beginnings.
Check out how Kingsmead proudly celebrated Heritage Day!
This special occasion reminded us of the strength, beauty and spirit that comes from our shared community.
Together, we shined brightly in our rich and diverse cultures, embracing traditions, stories, and values that connect us and make us stronger together.
Click the button below to watch the incredible performance by our grade 12 Marimba band at the Parktown Girls Marimba Festival!
In September we bid farewell to our Kingsmead matrics of 2025 as they stepped away from the daily rhythm of school to prepare for their final exams. We wish you courage, strength and every success as you embrace the many possibilities that lie ahead beyond our gates.
At the same time, we celebrate the grade 11s, who have stepped forward as the matric leaders of 2026. With each courageous step, you carry with you the possibilities of amazing leadership, growth, and the chance to inspire those who follow.
Congratulations to both groups of students – the matrics for all you have achieved, and the grade 11s for the exciting journey ahead. The future is full of possibilities!
Kingsmead College is incredibly proud of two of our grade 7 students, Rachael Raath and Lilia Thomas, who demonstrated what it truly means to embody the values of compassion, service, and initiative that we hold dear at Kingsmead.
Rachael and Lilia set up a lemonade stand at Delta Park and at the Dads & Daughters Camp for a few weeks in September, raising an outstanding R4000 for Happy Yappers, a local dog shelter.
When they visited the shelter to donate the funds, they learned that more than 100 puppies were still waiting for loving homes. Inspired to do even more, these young changemakers have committed to volunteering at Happy Yappers every Saturday.
Their story is a wonderful reminder of the impact our students can have when they lead with empathy and action. Rachael and Lilia encouraged our community to support this worthy cause by spreading the word, visiting the shelter, and perhaps even welcoming a furry friend into your home.
Well done, Rachael and Lilia, you truly embody the spirit and values of Kingsmead.
A big congratulations to our Junior School students who represented Kingsmead at the prestigious Malcolm Gooding Speech Competition last week.
- Katie Lawlor (Grade 5) – “To Fail is to Secretly Succeed”
- Morgan Chen-Heyneke (Grade 6) – “Whispers of the Past, Secrets of the Future”
- Thakgalo Semenya (Grade 7) – “History vs Popular Culture”
Each speaker impressed with their eloquence, courage, and thought-provoking ideas. We are so proud of you for shining on this platform!